Sorry ,I ment in Ontario a number of Moose , Black bear, Deer , killed Caribou with a smaller cal. But I would not 2nd guess the 308 on anything else aswell. They work fine for me...BT

LOL! Wasn't there an Anti that was on here for a while about a year ago? Jesse James or something like that? Looks like they are back and misguided as usual. Oh well.

Back on topic, I think you should use the caliber that is adequate for the game and that you shoot well. Bigger is better, no doubt, as it implies more energy imparted into the animal in any given situation. Just as is the opposite are those that make it a point to hunt with the lightest caliber they can, you know the hunters that go Moose hunting with a .22 pistol.

Use your common sense. Use a caliber that will kill the game quickly and humanly. It's not about proving points, it's about puting meat on the table efficiently. If you can shoot a 30-06 well and it is sufficient to kill what you are after use it. Just don't take it Elephant hunting, it's not the right tool.

Unless asked......I think some of us worry too much about what some of the rest of us are doing.....or using! Suffice to say, if you can shoot the rifle you carry well enough to place the bullet through the vital organs of the animal you intend to shoot.....then it is not too big. It becomes too big, when you can no longer use it effectlively, or try to make up for marksmanship with more power! And to a large degree we do make up for receeding "hunting" skills with better equipment. That is what some muzzleloaders say about all cartridge shooters.....some bow hunters say about all rifle hunters......some primitive archers say about compound hunters.....some spear.....do you get the point?

But, (and here is the important part), but as long as you are not losing wounded game because of your ineptitude it shouldn't matter to some one else what you use! I do agree that magnums are frequently NOT necessary....but I also acknowledge they are not harmful.....if you can shoot them. And as an aside....there are some instances when they do just plain make sense.

Personally I think we have many more hunters with strong opinions.....then strong skills. But as long as they aren't obnoxiously in my face.....or out gut shooting some dumb beast.....or just plain being a "pain in the arse".....we are all in this thing together! Because if we don't learn to effectively "police" our own ranks...and start working together to save sport hunting as we know it....we aren't going to have it but for another generation or two...if we are lucky!

I don't have a problem with a person wanting to be able to reach vitals from any angle......it sure beats the h**l out of using a cartridge that won't and trying to make it work. As long as you aren't in my face....telling me that only magnums kill cleanly! It does boil down to the "man" (gender neutral) behind the gun.....always has....always will! And that doesn't change with the times (or equipment)!

P.S. jjjj, P**s off! What would you know about sexual frustration when you've probably only ever "known" your hand!

ELK. I don't have a 270. I do however have a 45-70 which I would carry anywhere in North America for big game. Many big browns have also been taken with 50 cal Muzzle loaders. The guy asked. Do you need a Magnum?. I think not. Its fine with me if someone want to hunt prarie dogs with a 50 BMG.

akbound, Well said and I couldn't agree more!!